Veteran's Day Ceremony Held

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Those taking part in placing the memorial wreath at the base of the Veteran's Memorial in Piggott Monday were, from left: John Harmon, Post Commander of the local American Legion; Pam Wayer, president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Charles Wright, Post Commander of the local VFW.

Veterans Day 2012 was observed with the annual wreath ceremony Monday, Nov. 12, on the courthouse lawn in Piggott. Each year the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and their auxiliaries host the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial near the main entrance to the courthouse.

The two organizations also held an open house throughout the morning, and early afternoon, at the War Memorial Building in Piggott. During the morning hours veterans, and their families, were invited to stop by for coffee and donuts. Later, those attending were treated to chili and barbecue lunch with all the trimmings.

Monday morning's ceremony opened with a word of welcome, and comments from several of the civic leaders on hand for the occasion.

Clay County Judge Gary first offered his thanks to the men and women who have, and are, serving our country and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Next, Piggott Mayor Gerald Morris shared a few thoughts, including his memories of a trip to Wisconsin to welcome returning members of the National Guard from the area. He recounted his experiences on the trip, and feelings for the soldiers he had a chance to meet and greet as they returned from the war zone.

State Rep. Mike Patterson also took the opportunity to thank all those who serve, and have served. He noted that he has always been proud to help veterans while serving in the Legislature, and did so gladly anytime he could. He closed by asking those on hand to remember those serving our country, both abroad and at home, each night in their prayers.

"After all, we've all got somebody over there somewhere," he said.

Pastor Andy Newbill, of First United Methodist Church of Piggott, also spoke briefly to those assembled. Newbill, a veteran, also offered a different perspective-- that of a man who not only served -- but also lost his father to war.

The ceremony also included a reading by Pam Wayer, president of the VFW Auxiliary, on the history of the observance and those honored.

Wayer then joined VFW Post Commander Charles Wright, and American Legion Post Commander John Harmon, in placing the ceremonial wreath at the base of the memorial.

To close the ceremony, Chris Book of the Piggott High School Band performed a stirring rendition of Taps.